Home > Current Affairs News > Özel's 'Boeing claim' confirmed by Trump, AKP in turmoil: Statements from Yılmaz, Uraloğlu, Çelik, and Duran

Özel's 'Boeing claim' confirmed by Trump, AKP in turmoil: Statements from Yılmaz, Uraloğlu, Çelik, and Duran

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, while attending an opening ceremony in Manisa, made a striking claim regarding AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan. Özel alleged that Erdoğan had met with Trump's son to discuss the purchase of 300 Boeing aircraft; these statements were confirmed later in the day by an announcement from Donald Trump. Following this development, a series of statements regarding Boeing came from AKP figures.

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Speaking at a mass opening ceremony in the Turgutlu district of Manisa, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel referred to President Erdoğan's meeting in Istanbul with US President Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and said, "He tells Trump's son, 'If you arrange an appointment for me, I promise to order the purchase of 300 Boeing aircraft from America in front of the whole world on a live broadcast.'" Özel added, "I condemn Erdoğan and invite him to clarify this meeting as soon as possible."

Just hours after this claim by Özgür Özel, US President Donald Trump made a statement announcing that he would meet with President Erdoğan at the White House on September 25 and that the purchase of a 'large quantity' of Boeing aircraft would be discussed during the meeting.

A SERIES OF STATEMENTS FROM AKP FIGURES

Following the confirmation of Özel's Boeing claim by Donald Trump, a series of statements came from AKP figures.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Uraloğlu, in his statement to TV100 regarding the matter, said, "Work on this issue has been ongoing for a long time; the matter was conveyed to our President and will gain clarity at the Erdoğan-Trump meeting to be held in the United States."

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, after Özel's claim turned out to be true, made a statement on his social media account and expressed the following:

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel is making baseless claims regarding the meeting our President will hold with the US President.

Those who cannot produce policy produce polemics. We expect a more responsible language and approach from the main opposition, at least on national issues and foreign policy.

Our noble nation knows everyone's past and track record well.

Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is one of the most experienced leaders at the global level today, is known for his dignified stance in foreign policy, his policies based on national interests, and his approach that considers mutual benefit with his counterparts.

The agenda between Turkey and the US covers a wide spectrum ranging from defense industry and trade topics that have been discussed for a long time to investments and regional stability. It is extremely natural for these issues to be addressed at the leaders' level.

Our hope is that the upcoming meeting will lead to decisions that will be in the interest of both countries and contribute to regional peace.

AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik also made a statement after Trump confirmed the Boeing meeting and used striking expressions regarding Özel's confirmed claim:

The words of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel targeting our President are a complete example of political ignorance regarding foreign policy.

Özgür Özel has been in office long enough for even someone who knows nothing to learn the basics of foreign policy. However, not only is there not the slightest progress, but he is regressing every day. Moreover, he is managing a process in which the foreign policy accumulation of the CHP is also being "liquidated."

The point the CHP Chairman has reached is going down in history as a negative example for our political life.

The whole world will pay attention to our President's global leadership at the UN meeting, just as in every field.

As our President expressed in his message yesterday, a broad agenda will be discussed, primarily bilateral relations with the US and the end of regional wars.

Our President's assessments will be watched by the whole world.

It would be beneficial for the CHP Headquarters to enter a process of "learning to learn" on this occasion.

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, like other AKP figures, reacted harshly to Özgür Özel's 'Boeing' statement on his social media account.

Duran made the following statement:

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's statements regarding the diplomatic contacts of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are a clear mental block.

In a period when the lack of effective leadership in the international system stands out, our country has one of the most experienced leaders in the world. In these days when global and regional geopolitics are experiencing deep tremors, our President protects our country's rights and interests to the end and supports the oppressed by opposing injustices wherever they may be in the world.

Our President will go to New York for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly this year, as he does every year, and in addition to the address he will deliver at the UN General Assembly, he will hold numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings. Afterward, he will hold a meeting with US President Trump in Washington. The agenda items between Turkey and the US are being carried out in line with our national interests.

Özel's manipulative attitude, which is contrary to the reality of foreign policy, and his incompetent campaign in his recent claims are regrettable.

At this stage, our advice to him is to gain experience by following how our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whom even his counterparts speak of with praise, uses his vast diplomatic experience and protects and develops our country's interests.